Pavilion paints a whole new picture with first Artfest

Published 6:00 pm, Monday, October 28, 2002

The first ever ArtFest will give artists the opportunity to exhibit their art, as well as give the community an opportunity to place a face with a painting. The juried fine arts show features regional to national artists, while showcasing student art and performing arts.

By MELANIE HILLIS

Oils, watercolors, pastels, drawings, sculptures, photography and mixed media are some of the artworks that make up the two-day event.

Rod Flower, a Woodlands artist, will display his art in an ArtFest booth. Flower's passion is painting portraits. This event will give Flower the chance to showcase his original portraits in one location.

Flower said that the original portraits speak louder than a photograph of the portrait, which he is forced to do at times to showcase his work.

"They want to see what I do. They can flip through my portfolio, but when you have the originals right there, they will sell," said Flower.

In addition to the portraits, he will feature his landscape paintings and still-life paintings, alongside the other artists and their original artwork.

"I understand that this (ArtFest) is something that they want to do every year which is great. This is something that is long overdue," said Flower. "We have a lot of artists here."

Flower said that he hopes that this event will draw attention to The Woodlands artists and their craft.

"We're out here working and applying our craft," said Flower. "There are a lot of creative, interesting people out here."

Not only is Flower hoping that this event draws attention to the area artists, but also draws the local artists together.

"With all the great movements that have ever happened in art, there needs to be a connection. We work in our studios unaware of each other," said Flower. "At the ArtFest, I want to take the opportunity to go from booth to booth meeting the artists."

Flower said that ArtFest officials screened the artists. The artists had to submit slides of their work, as well as a resume. All artists had to be juried.

Also, officials restricted the event from galleries, said Flower. Therefore, the community will be meeting the artists themselves, as opposed to representatives.

"It's more fun that way," said Flower. "You have to meet and greet your public. I look forward to that."

ArtFest exhibitor Michelle Brown said that she has not displayed her work in a setting like this before because she feels more comfortable when gallery representatives sell her work.

"I paint; that's what I do," said Brown. "That's my job. I feel very fortunate to be in that position."

Brown said that she markets her work, but with the help of representation. With the help, Brown is able to concentrate on her art.

Brown submitted a piece into the competition art show. She said that the competition is going to be tough, but Brown is more excited about the other artists' work.

"After previewing the other artists coming in, I'm simply delighted. There is nice work coming in," said Brown.

Denise Jigarjian, an exhibiting artist, works with pastels and color pencils. Her specialty is horses and people. Jigarjian captures the intimate moments when people and horses interact.

Jigarjian seriously started showing her artwork in 1993, but her love for horses and art began much sooner than that. She drew all her life and has loved horses since she was a kid.

"I hope people enjoy looking at my work, and I hope it inspires them," said Jigarjian.

Jigarjian said that she hopes to inspire children to paint because that is when her desire began. Following one's heart sounds cliche, but it is true, said Jigarjian.